Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    • Environmental Topics
    • Air
    • Bed Bugs
    • Chemicals and Toxics
    • Climate Change
    • Emergency Response
    • Environmental Information by Location
    • Environmental Justice
    • Greener Living
    • Health
    • Land, Waste, and Cleanup
    • Lead
    • Mold
    • Pesticides
    • Radon
    • Science Topics
    • Water Topics
    • A-Z Topic Index
    • Laws & Regulations
    • By Business Sector
    • By Topic
    • Compliance
    • Enforcement
    • Guidance
    • Laws and Executive Orders
    • Regulations
    • Report a Violation
    • Environmental Violations
    • Fraud, Waste or Abuse
    • About EPA
    • EPA Administrator
    • Organization Chart
    • Staff Directory
    • Planning, Budget, and Results
    • Jobs and Internships
    • Headquarters Offices
    • Regional Offices
    • Lab and Research Centers
Careers
Contact Us

Profiles of African Americans at EPA: Kent Benjamin

Profiles of African Americans at EPA


Kent Benjamin

Kent Benjamin, Acting Director
OLEM Office of Communications, Partnerships and Analysis
Office of Land and Emergency Management
Washington, DC

Where were you born?

Boston, Mass.

What brought you to EPA?

I was inspired to public service by my mother’s efforts at the Women’s Bureau in the Department of Labor. EPA provided an opportunity to have a positive impact of people lives, and to serve the communities who could not fend for themselves.

What type of work do you do at EPA?

I lead an office of high performance professionals whose efforts focus on verifying and communication the benefits and significance of OLEM’s mission and promote interaction with external stakeholders to ensure the inclusion of their perspectives and consideration of their needs in OLEMs work and products.

What is your highest level of education? What was your major?

I have a Master of Science degree in public management and policy from Carnegie Mellon University with concentrations in policy analysis, and urban planning and economic development.

What message would you like to send other Black/African Americans who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?

My main message is to include environmental and scientific course work in whatever academic area you are pursuing. Additionally, I would encourage them to have an evolving career development plan that includes a range of mentors and coaches. I also recommend that they conduct informational interviews with practitioners to gain insights and to sharpen their career focus.

  • Careers Home
  • How to Apply
  • Salaries and Benefits
  • Students
  • Grads and Post-Docs
  • Legal Careers
  • Science Careers
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on August 4, 2021
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Discover.

  • Accessibility
  • Budget & Performance
  • Contracting
  • EPA www Web Snapshot
  • Grants
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Privacy and Security Notice

Connect.

  • Data.gov
  • Inspector General
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Open Government
  • Regulations.gov
  • Subscribe
  • USA.gov
  • White House

Ask.

  • Contact EPA
  • EPA Disclaimers
  • Hotlines
  • FOIA Requests
  • Frequent Questions

Follow.